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My Year in Books | 2018 in Review

Monday, December 31, 2018

The year is coming to a close which means I get to share my final thoughts on all the books I read this year. I do the Perpetual Page-Turner’s End of the Year Survey every year and also, Bite into Books is hosting Your Year in Books meme which lets you share your Goodreads Year in Books. I've connected both prompts to look back and reflect on the year. So, hats off to 2018 as we welcome in 2019. Here is my bookish year in review:

Number of Books Read:

Star ratings of 2018:

Number of Rereads:

I reread one book this year: The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin. I rarely reread and this just changed my view in why I should reread more. I had a blast with this book the second time around!

Length of Books Read:

First and last reviewed?

Best book you read in 2018?

Book you were excited about and thought you were going to love more but didn't?

Lucky in Love by Kasie West: I love some amazing Kasie West. And, unfortunately, this one wasn't my favorite. I was expecting some fluffy romance. What we received was an annoying protagonist who spent her lottery winnings on annoying items. And, ugh! I lived for the last 20 pages where the fluff finally appears.

Most surprising book you read?

Surprised in a good way: Darius the Great is Not Okay by Adib Khorram: Darius the Great is Not Okay by Adib Khorram is a coming of age story that will stir its readers. The friendship, Darius' family dynamic, and the diversity in this book is truly remarkable. This debut goes above and beyond with a masterful plot that is both easy to relate to and heartbreaking.

Surprised in a bad way: Heartless by Marissa Meyer: My expectations for this, after the Lunar Chronicles, were high and I was sorely disappointed when they were not met. I guess, I was expecting something different from Meyer. However, this retelling of Alice in Wonderland was missing its whimsy.

Book you "pushed" most people to read (and they did)?

A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab: I absolutely loved this book! And if I come in contact with a fellow reader and don't mention A Darker Shade of Magic, there must be something off with me that day. I pushed so many to read it-- getting most of my friends to read it. I even discussed it in length with The Bucket List's annual book discussion!

Best series started? Best sequel? Best series ender?

Favorite new-to-you author discovered in 2018?

Adib Khorram - Darius the Great is Not Okay: Khorram's debut was fantastic! If his next book is as fantastic as his first, he is quickly on his way in becoming an auto-buy author for me.

V.E. Schwab - A Darker Shade of Magic: It's hard to believe I haven't read any of Schwab's books until now. Like, what have I been waiting for?

Best book from a genre that was out of your comfort zone?

Honor Among Thieves by Rachel Caine and Ann Aguirre: I usually steer clear of science fiction but decided to give this a try because I adored Rachel Caine's Morganville Vampire series. This book is set in space so you really can't get any further out of my comfort zone than that. And it was amazing! Superb world building! Unforgettable characters! Loved it all!

Favorite cover of a book read in 2018?

Most beautifully written book read in 2018?

Sweet Black Waves by Kristina Perez

Most thought provoking book of 2018?

Sadieby Courtney Summers: If you love thrillers or podcasts, definitely give this one a go. Better yet, read Sadie via audiobook. It has a full cast: told half in podcast and half in narrative. It’s intense, dark, and bone-chilling.

Book I FINALLY read this year?

Catherine by April Lindner: Finally, right? I've been hopelessly putting this on my tbr for years now and 2018 was the year I finally got to it. Wuthering Heights retelling with a contemporary backdrop. Yes, please.

I'm Jeanna!

I love books, coffee, cute planners, blogging, and everything in between. I don't want you to miss out on the fantastic books out there, which is why I talk about books and write reviews. My reviews may include lame jokes and a side of sass, that make you feel like you are sitting down with an good, old friend for coffee. So grab a seat and let's get chatting.